(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver - August 5, 2011) "The Union of BC Indian Chiefs is deeply honored to be called upon to support the Kwakiutl First Nation," declared UBCIC President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip upon his return from the Kwakiutl Take Our Land Back protests in Port McNeill, B.C.

“In the event this situation escalates, the UBCIC shall proudly stand alongside the Kwakiutl Hereditary Chiefs, Elders, elected Leaders and allies and supporters of the Kwakiutl people on the Nimpkish River bridge,” declared Grand Chief Phillip.

“Furthermore, the UBCIC stands in solidarity with all Douglas Treaty First Nations in their complete rejection and repudiation of the BC Government's ill-informed and deeply offensive notions that the historic Douglas Treaties represent an extinguishment of their Aboriginal Title and Rights interests,” said Grand Chief Phillip. “Such inflammatory statements from the BC Government only serve to intensify an already volatile situation. We call on Premier Clark to apologize and publicly retract these damaging, disingenuous and misleading statements.”

Grand Chief Phillip stated “Finally, we call on Premier Clark, Minister Polak and Minister Thomson to make immediate arrangements to meet with representatives of the Kwakiutl First Nation to personally listen to their serious concerns.”